Linkage analysis of candidate myelin genes in familial multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. A complex genetic etiology is thought to underlie susceptibility to this disease. The present study was designed to analyze whether differences in genes that encode myelin proteins influence susceptibility to MS.

Microsatellite polymorphism in the promoter sequence of the elongation factor 3 gene of Candida albicans as the basis for a typing system.

The polymorphism of a TTC/TTTC microsatellite in the promoter sequence of the elongation factor 3 gene of Candida albicans was investigated by PCR. One primer was fluorescein labeled, and PCR signals were read with an automatic sequencer. Twenty-nine reference strains and 31 independent clinical isolates were studied.

Autoantibodies to phospholipids and to the coagulation proteins in AIDS.

In HIV-1 infection, an increased prevalence of anticardiolipin autoantibodies (aCL) and lupus anticoagulant (LA) has been described. In order to see if these antibodies are isolated or, like in autoimmune diseases, associated with hematological disorders and with antibodies to other phospholipids and to proteins of coagulation, we investigated 3 groups of patients: 1. 342 HIV-1 infected patients, 2.

Association of antimitochondrial antibodies type 5 and anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I antibodies in the antiphospholipid syndrome.

Objective: To evaluate if antimitochondrial type 5 antibodies (AMA5) might be included among antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) markers.

Methods: In a retrospective study, blood variables of 48 patients with AMA5 were analyzed in relationship with clinical and biological markers of APS and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Results: We observed a high prevalence of false biological test for syphilis (95%), lupus anticoagulant (LAC) (71%), anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) of IgG (71%) and IgM (75%) isotype, positive direct Coombs' test (54%), thrombocytopenia (52%), anti-B2 glycoprotein I antibodies (38%).